Frequently asked questions
Answers before you book.
Everything students ask us most, in one place. Still have a question? Contact us directly.
Do I need a FOID card to take a class?
No — a FOID (Firearm Owner's Identification) card is not required to attend the 16-hour training class itself. You will, however, need a valid FOID card to submit your final Illinois Concealed Carry License application to the state. If you don't already have one, we recommend starting that application early, since processing times vary. See our full IL CCL Guide for the complete sequence.
Do I need to bring my own gun, or can I rent one?
You're welcome to bring your own handgun and ammunition. If you don't have your own equipment, contact us before class day and we'll help arrange rental options through our range partner — availability and any rental cost depend on the range's current inventory.
What does the 16-hour Concealed Carry Class actually cover?
The full Illinois-mandated curriculum: firearm law and legal use of force, safe handling and storage, marksmanship fundamentals, defensive decision-making scenarios, and a supervised live-fire qualification on the range. Classroom instruction and live-fire are both required and both included, spread across two days.
What is the separate $150 fee, and why isn't it included in tuition?
The $150 fee is the Illinois State Police's own license application fee — it's a state government charge for processing your background check and issuing your CCL, completely separate from what you pay us for training. We disclose it clearly rather than bundling it into our price, since it's paid directly to the state when you submit your application, not to us.
Are there range fees or rental fees on top of the class price?
Range access for your class is included in the course price listed on our Courses page. If you need to rent a firearm or purchase ammunition through our range partner instead of bringing your own, that may carry a separate cost — we'll walk you through current options when you book.
What are your hours?
We operate by appointment rather than fixed storefront hours. Contact us and we'll find a class date and time — including evenings and weekends — that fits your schedule.
Are your instructors actually ISP-approved?
Yes. Illinois only accepts CCL training certificates signed by an instructor with current Illinois State Police approval, and every lead instructor at The Carry Institute holds that approval. See our About page for more on our instruction approach.
What is your refund and reschedule policy?
We do not offer refunds. You're welcome to reschedule your class at no charge with at least 48 hours notice before your scheduled appointment.
Still have a question?
Reach out directly and we'll get back to you personally.